Rurikoji Temple4.1

Rurikoji Temple in the north of Yamaguchi city is well-known for it beautifully shaped five-story pagoda. The 31m-tall pagoda dates from the 15th century and has its roofs thatched with cypress bark, magnificently curved, to be considered one of Japan's top three pagodas, along with Horyuji Temple in Nara and Daigoji Temple in Kyoto. A museum in the precincts exhibits miniature replicas of major pagodas throughout Japan.

The main hall is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai (medicine Buddha) and holds numerous sutras and Buddhist artworks. The temple's garden is a popular flower viewing spot, with apricot and cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring. The temple's buildings are lit up everyday from sunset to 11pm. It is a 10-minute bus ride from JR Yamaguchi Station.

Nice and peaceful temple with natures surrounding. This place is quite different from other parts in Japan that people are so friendly to tourists even the bus driver. But the transportation is not so good compared to big cities so I strongly recommend you to plan schedule carefully before you come.